decibel

noun

deci·​bel ˈde-sə-ˌbel How to pronounce decibel (audio) -bəl How to pronounce decibel (audio)
1
a
: a unit for expressing the ratio of two amounts of electric or acoustic signal power equal to 10 times the common logarithm of this ratio
b
: a unit for expressing the ratio of the magnitudes of two electric voltages or currents or analogous acoustic quantities equal to 20 times the common logarithm of the voltage or current ratio
2
: a unit for expressing the relative intensity of sounds on a scale from zero for the average least perceptible sound to about 130 for the average pain level
3
: degree of loudness
also : extremely loud sound
usually used in plural

Did you know?

The unit for measuring the relative intensities of sound is called a decibel. Because the decibel scale is logarithmic, a sound with an intensity that is twice that of a reference sound corresponds to an increase of little more than 3 decibels. In common practice, the reference point of 0 decibel is set at the intensity of the least perceptible sound, the threshold of hearing. On such a scale a 10-decibel sound is 10 times the intensity of the reference sound; a 20-decibel sound is 100 times the reference intensity, and so on. Normal conversation is usually around 60 decibels, an electric saw around 100 decibels, and amplified rock music around 120 decibels.

Examples of decibel in a Sentence

a rock concert blasting music at 110 decibels the crowd decibels increased dramatically as the horses neared the finish line
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The decibel level increased by several orders of magnitude when the video scoreboards displayed the image of Freeman with his son in his arms. Dylan Hernández, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024 And in Times Square, where a dense orchestra of honking horns, idling motors, chattering tourists, and voluble vendors can push sound levels north of 90 decibels, the song’s unmistakable tinny beat and pogoing piano loop manage to cut through the din. Max Cea, Curbed, 17 Oct. 2024 The decibel level inside a human body can exceed that of a vacuum cleaner, and much of the roar comes from the blood. Blake Nelson, The Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2024 Loop’s Experience line is specially made for concerts by dampening the decibels without sacrificing the performer’s sound quality. Jessica Comstock, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for decibel 

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary deci- + bel

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of decibel was in 1928

Dictionary Entries Near decibel

Cite this Entry

“Decibel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decibel. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

decibel

noun
deci·​bel ˈdes-ə-ˌbel How to pronounce decibel (audio)
-bəl
: a unit for measuring the relative loudness of sounds
abbreviation dB

Medical Definition

decibel

noun
deci·​bel ˈdes-ə-bəl How to pronounce decibel (audio) -ˌbel How to pronounce decibel (audio)
1
a
: a unit for expressing the ratio of two amounts of electric or acoustic signal power equal to 10 times the common logarithm of this ratio
b
: a unit for expressing the ratio of the magnitudes of two electric voltages or currents or analogous acoustic quantities equal to 20 times the common logarithm of the voltage or current ratio
2
: a unit for expressing the relative intensity of sounds on a scale from zero for the average least perceptible sound to about 130 for the average pain level

More from Merriam-Webster on decibel

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